Carman, MB (June 8, 2015) – The Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) is very pleased with a funding announcement made by Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen on June 6, 2015 at R-Tech Industries in Homewood, Manitoba. A $1.2 million investment from the federal government will go towards purchasing new equipment that will be used at 11 research sites across Manitoba. Research equipment purchases will include weigh wagons, trucks, planters, a tractor, a fertilizer applicator, a combine, a row crop combine header, a grain analyzer, and tillage implements.
This project will result in increased production and will benefit soybean and corn growers across western Canada. The Manitoba Corn Growers Association (MCGA), MPSG, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the University of Manitoba all collaborated together on the project. At the announcement on Saturday, MP Bergen emphasized that this is an excellent example of how industry, academia and government can work together to strengthen the economy.
“These funds will allow researchers in Manitoba to continue supporting our crops and cropping systems by performing advanced research with precision and accuracy using equipment that mimics what producers are actually using on their farms,” says Francois Labelle, MPSG Executive Director. “For example, the mid-row banding unit will allow Dr. Yvonne Lawley to accurately measure and enhance the 4R fertilizer application system thereby helping to improve the health of our environment. The joint collaborative efforts of MCGA and MPSG were key to success of this application.”
According to industry projections, soybean and corn production in Western Canada could exceed 14 million acres over the next 10 years.
The funding is being provided through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
About MPSG
MPSG was founded in 1984 and represents over 3,500 producers in Manitoba who grow soybeans, edible beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans. MPGA’s mission is to provide pulse grower members with production knowledge and market development support, through focused research, advocacy and collaboration with industry partners.
For more information, please contact:
Francois Labelle
Executive Director, MPSG
204.745.6488
francois@manitobapulse.ca